2nd-3rd century AD. A bronze bust of Mars wearing a crested pseudo-Corinthian helmet with broad rim, naive facial detailing and textured chest, attachment loop to the underside; probably an applique part of a military decoration; mounted on a custom-made display stand. See Beutler, F., Farka C., Gugl C., Humer F., Kremer, G., Pollhammer (ed.), Der Adler Roms, Carnuntum und die Armee der Caesaren, Bad Voslau, 2017, s. item no.1000, for a similar item. 116 grams total, 87mm including stand (3 1/2"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); acquired from A. G. & S. Gillis, Barnsley, UK, in 1999; accompanied by a copy of the original invoice dated 1999. The convention of wearing decorative bronze ornaments over military armour continued at least into the 3rd century. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils.